SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, PROPULSION (STARSHIP)
The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for developing the fluid systems to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and building a wide range of fluid systems across the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. The role includes sizing vehicle fluid systems, engaging in detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. Systems will include high-pressure gas storage and control, cryogenic fluid management, attitude control systems, and thermal control systems. The Propulsion Engineer will also develop the concept of operations for their systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform fluids system sizing analysis to determine basic system requirements
- Transform system requirements into hardware concepts and trade implementation and architecture options
- Design a range of pressurized and unpressurized structures and parts to enable system capability, creating original CAD models and prints
- Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure survivability
- Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
- Drive the first builds of flight hardware and work with a manufacturing team to establish a production line
- Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
- Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
- Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in 2026 or 2027
- Degree in an engineering discipline or physics
- 1+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience via project team, research, internships, and/or professional experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
- Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
- Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations and design considerations
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
- Experience with Siemens NX or other similar CAD package
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
- Ability and and willingness to relocate to Starbase, TX (Brownsville, TX area)
- Stand: Up to 3 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
- Kneel/Crouch: N/A
- Upper body twist: N/A
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 30 minutes per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
- Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or physics
- 1+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
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